Belarus PM due today

Diplomatic Correspondent

Expansion of trade and investment, and cooperation in agriculture, industry, defence and education will figure prominently in the dialogues during Belarusian Prime Minister Mikhail Myasnikovich's three-day visit to Bangladesh, beginning today.

This is the first ever official visit by a Belarusian prime minister since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 1991.

The two sides are expected to sign several deals, including agreements on mutual protection of investments, visa-free travels for diplomats, agreements on military and technical cooperation and on education, agreements on cooperation in agriculture and industry.

As per the programme schedule, Myasnikovich will arrive at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 3:00pm. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will receive him.

On the first day of his visit, the Belarusian prime minister will pay homage at National Mausoleum at Savar and Bangabandhu Memorial Museum in Dhanmondi.

Agriculture Minister Matia Chowdhury and Foreign Minister Dipu Moni will call on him separately at the Sonargaon Hotel in the evening.

On Monday morning, Industries Minister Dilip Barua and State Minister for Science and Technology Yeafesh Osman will meet the visiting prime minister.

At 10:30am, he will hold talks with Sheikh Hasina and then hold a delegation-level discussion.

The talks will be followed by signing of agreements and Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) and joint press briefing.

The Belarusian PM will attend Working Forum Meeting and lunch to be hosted by the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) at the Sonargaon Hotel.

In the evening, he will attend a Bangladesh-Belarus joint cultural programme and attend a dinner to be hosted by Hasina.

On Tuesday, he will address the faculty members and students of Dhaka University at its Senate Hall. He will then call on President Zillur Rahman at the Bangabhaban.

Before leaving Dhaka on a special aircraft at 5:00pm that day, Mikhail Myasnikovich will visit Square Pharmaceuticals Ltd Plant at Gazipur. Foreign Minister Dipu Moni will see him off.